When I heard that a new group, Voices for Animals Kansas City (VFAKC) was planning to host Kansas City's first VegFest, I was thrilled. Although it seemed odd that they didn't reach out to the longest running animal right's group in the area, Animal Outreach of Kansas, and invite them to participate, I didn't start to have concerns until AOK's founder, Judy Carman inquired about tabling at the Vegfest and was informed that to have a table would cost her 300.00 dollars -- the same as for food vendors, even though she wasn't selling anything, and didn't have that kind of budget. My concerns grew when I found out HSUS and Whole Foods (one of the largest meat retailers in the US.) were both sponsors.

How would messaging at the vegfest be impacted by its sponsors?

Sponsors provide money expecting to get something. Non-profits typically sponsor expecting to expand membership and increase revenue. In the case of VFAKC's Vegfest --- HSUS wasn't just a sponsor, but also provided one of the speakers -- Paul Shapiro.

KC's first VegFest was free and open to the public, and my family went and mingled with other attendees. Our intent was to support and promote veganism by talking with others. When we talked with non-vegans, we shared literature that encouraged veganism. When attendees told us that they were already vegan, we discussed the issue of co-option within the movement and provided them the flyer pictured above (front) and below (back).

Overwhelmingly the people we met expressed gratitude that we were raising awareness of this issue. At no point were we loud or disruptive in any way. We simply spoke respectfully one on one with individuals, and heard no objections.

But in weeks following the Vegfest we heard from a number of people that the Vegfest's main organizer, Dave Swarts, was upset when he learned after the fact that we had been providing this literature to people and he was seeking to block us from attending next year's Vegfest. Dave told others (incorrectly) that we were distributing "Humane Watch" literature. Humane Watch is a well-known front group for animal exploiting industries, that also is very critical of HSUS. Mischaracterizing our hand-out and the website it linked to in this way, may cause those supportive of HSUS to not even look into the substance of what we were saying. After hearing how upset Dave was and that our actions were being misconstrued, my daughter reached out with an email to Dave asking to set up a phone call to discuss what happened, hoping that they could better understand each other's perspective.

12 days later, Dave Swarts replied to my daughter with the following emailed statement and he copied me too:

It is ironic that Dave used the words, "conflict with our brand" in his statement. If we are both working to help animals, why would his biggest expressed concern be his "brand"? Perhaps this definition of co-option HEREcan shed some light:

When the vegan movement began in 1944 with the coining of the word, "vegan," it was clearly defined as the exclusion of all forms of exploitation of animals. Keep in mind -- factory farms were not yet known. Nearly all animals were raised on family farms like those being promoted as "humane" by organizations like HSUS.

I've been vegan over 25 years and have witnessed messaging from large animal advocacy groups changing in a disturbing way. Groups, that once advocated for justice for animals, are suddenly steering the conversation away from promoting veganism to endorsing meat, dairy and eggs from farms they now refer to as, "humane," in some cases even giving their stamp of approval as with the infamous Whole Foods Letter, or when Peta gave an award to Temple Grandin for designing a "humane" slaughterhouse. To put that in perspective, consider what would be the public's reaction if Amnesty International gave an award to a dictator for jailing dissidents in more comfortable jails and feeding them a great meal before killing them by lethal injection, instead of a firing squad? Should animal advocates publicly applaud baby steps that still perpetrate violent injustice against animals? How would you feel if Amnesty International suggested that the less terrible dictators were our allies in the struggle against the most horrific dictators?

Now juxtapose that scenario with a real conversation that occurred on a vegan Kansas City Facebook group, when a new vegan, expressed interest in holding a vigil in front of a small local slaughterhouse to raise awareness. The new vegan asked if anyone knew where local slaughterhouses were, and Dave tried to dissuade this individual by suggesting that these slaughterhouses were, "allies" with vegans who work to raise awareness about the injustice of exploiting animals:​

​What does it mean if we begin to ally with those who are profiting off of the exploitation and killing of animals? What is left of our movement, if we are no longer clearly opposed to exploitation and killing of other beings? What does that make our movement a movement for?

​Does messaging matter?

One of the speakers at KC's VegFest was Paul Shapiro, a VP at HSUS. As a segue to his endorsement of cultured meat, (Which I have raised concerns about in my post, Cultured Meat, Yellow Rice, Cage Free Eggs, Have YOU Been Duped?) Paul told the audience a tall-tale about how whales benefitted from the transition from whale oil lamps popular in the 1800s to kerosene lamps -- a tale that I have deconstructed in my post, Dangerous Myths that Threaten Animals. Paul used that tale as a metaphor for why people who care about animals should now endorse cultured meat.

Paul also made the following Orwellian statement while on stage:

"We should accept that not all animal raising is the same...In fact if all animals were raised that way [on small farms] we might go do something else with our lives...because there'd be maybe bigger problems." --Paul Shapiro HSUS VP​

Why is VFAKC providing a platform for sentiments contrary to real justice for animals? I shudder to think how this messaging (which also included suggesting that ethically, its better to eat beef than chicken) might have influenced attendees. How many people on the verge of considering veganism -- because a vegan spokesperson/leader suggested that embracing or working for "humane" meat/dairy/eggs is a morally acceptable alternative to veganism, will now become consumers of, "happy meat?" instead of embracing veganism? Might this translate into economic benefits for sponsors like Whole Foods and HSUS?

​IF you are involved with the group Voices for Animals -- or for that matter, ANY group that is partnering with entities which might present a conflict of interest, I urge you to speak up and raise awareness. Go to their events and dialogue with others who attend. If you are not sure what constitutes a conflict of interest, Tribe of Heart Defined it Here:

Who is VFAKC advocating for -- the animals or their sponsors?

PLEASE do all you can to keep the conversation about industry co-option of grass-roots animal advocacy alive! If you attend VFAKC events, make sure others there know what is taking place and share information. Share this post on your social media, email it to friends who may not be on FB. Print out some of the articles that I have linked to and share them with others. The animals need us to speak up!

This is by far one of the best pieces of literature I have ever read that presented two sides to a story, but clearly pointed out some issues that need addressing. Your points were simple, clear and not meant to confuse the reader nor appeal to their emotion.

You presented yourself in a rational way, simply trying to discuss logical conclusions but were met with corporate jargon that tried to silence you.

Thank you and your family for doing what you did. I will do all that I can to share this article with the people of the world and Kansas City and hope that for next year, that you are the first person they invite as a speaker.

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JoAnn Farb

8/5/2017 05:43:43 am

Mathew:

Thank you -- your support means a lot to me!

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markgil

8/5/2017 03:38:22 am

THANK YOU for addressing this extremely critical topic JoAnn- it is very sad but iin my experience all too common. it sounds very similar to what happen at FARM's 2012 conference with TOH getting banned from the hotel and FARM threatening Bob Linden with arrest for handing out fliers against the cage free egg movement which was being promoted by FARM and H$U$.

it seems that far too many vegans have been duped by these tactics and support the groups who claim to be vegan yet openly promote the consumption of animal products.

the quote from Shapiro is not anything new as H$U$ vigorously supports the exploitation and murder of non-human animals and at the same time claims to be an animal protection organization (whatever THAT means) while happily accepting donations from both vegans and animal exploiters, offer $1 of pig flesh coupons on it's website and it's president Wayne Pacelle stated to the cattleman's association that "god put animals on the earth for humans to eat".

the exchange with Swan about the slaughterhouses is a far more disturbing incident and is becoming more and more widespread. a recent case of this includes individuals who claim to be vegan yet bash films like "What the Health" as promoting junk science and that consuming flesh, dairy and eggs can be just as healthy as a plant based diet. these same people also openly praise GMO's and vaccinations on the basis of the same so called science.

btw, along with the links you provided, here is a transcript and audio of Jamie Cohen's talk at AR2012 on this subject:

fortunately, there will be people like Robert Grillo and Emily from BSV at FARM's AR conf to speak out for the animals this year so it will be interesting to see how it turns out. i hope they post the video's of the sessions on youtube.

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JoAnn Farb

8/5/2017 10:30:59 am

Mark I appreciate all the good work that you do too -- and the excellent link you provided as well. That is great to hear that Robert and Emily will be at AR -- I love what they do!

Warm Regards
JoAnn

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markgil

8/5/2017 03:40:30 am

p.s. great flier too btw, any idea where i can get some for use in our activism?

Very well written JoAnn. Thank you for showing the co-opting of the vegan message, and movement.

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JoAnn Farb

8/5/2017 10:32:32 am

Thanks Hal, I am heartened that so many people are showing an interest in learning more about this issue.

Warm Regards,
JoAnn

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Timothy J. Sixta

8/5/2017 08:18:46 am

Thank you for your voice. I do greatly appreciate you speaking up and standing up for All of the animals out there that desire to live.

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JoAnn Farb

8/6/2017 11:15:28 am

And for yours too!

Warm Regards,
JoAnn

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Barb Lomow

8/5/2017 08:19:51 am

Thank you for this excellent piece, which highlights the unfortunate reality that a majority of these "Vegfest"-type events are more and more being dominated by utilitarians affiliated with national corporate groups with decidedly non-vegan agendas. These groups have deep, deep pockets to sponsor and "pay to play" [ i.e. speak] at these events, and therefore influence audience after audience with their self-serving platforms that undermine veganism either covertly or, increasingly, overtly.

Just as an FYI, earlier today I made the following comment to a couple of "AR" lists I'm on:

http://joannfarb.weebly.com/blog/vfa

The blog linked to above does a great job of exposing the sordid truth as to what is regularly taking place at "VegFests" and conferences around the country.

And speaking of conferences, the recently "let go" Farm Sanctuary employee, Matt Ball -- who was evidently also a "let go" speaker from this weekend's "AR" conference -- posted a photo of himself attending "AR"2015 on his public Facebook page along with the caption "back when I was welcome at the AR Conference!" and the following exchange:

Matt Ball shared a memory. August 1 at 6:10am ·

Parker Pillsbury Matt, were you told that you couldn't speak this year?

Matt Ball Parker, email me at MattBall@gmail.com for the full twisted story!

It's baffling that Ball would suddenly be removed both as a FS employee and an "AR" conference speaker (presumably due to the anti-vegan group One Step for Animals he heads up/seeks donations for?), given that he's been promoting an anti-vegan position for years. As have several of his ilk, including "AR"2017 speaker Paul Shapiro, an obvious backer/fan of OSfA's speciesist platform, as evidenced by their recent tacky public shout-out to him on Facebook:

One Step For Animals July 28 at 7:55am ·

Thanks so much to Paul, One Step For Animals' newest major donor!

I am of course appalled by Ball's long term anti-vegan position, but find it curious that he would be singled out from so many of the other "AR" speakers who *also* either make a living by talking out of multiple sides of their mouths on a regular basis, and/or are just plain anti-vegan, such as the "Reducetarian Foundation's" Brian Kateman. There will no doubt be a whole lot of chirpy donation-searching speeches going on at the "AR" conference filled with speakers affiliated with non-AR platforms, smugly declaring that there is a whole lot of "winning" going on. Based on the steady stream of so-called "victories" being declared, it's hard to keep up on who is responsible for more self-proclaimed "winning", the corporate animal charities, or Donald Trump.

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JoAnn Farb

8/5/2017 10:35:47 am

Barb:

Thank you so much for all the substance you added to my post -- and for helping to raise awareness!

Warm Regards,
JoAnn Farb

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Madison Pruetting

8/6/2017 08:06:33 am

I respect what you are doing for the animals, I really do....BUT you are trying to discredit a man (David) who works tirelessly for animals and for our community. First of all, do you know how much money it cost to put on an event like Vegfest?? ALOT! That is why most Vegfests cost money but it was important to David to keep it free so it could reach more people....especially nonvegans. Isn't that the goal, to show more people that veganism can be delicious and cool?? It has been proven time and time again to me through experience and watching others, that advocating and peaceful protesting is far less effective than leading by example. I'm sorry, but we do not live in a time yet where there are grocery stores (with money to help sponsor) that are all vegan. That is unrealistic expectations. Just because Whole Foods sells animal products, does not mean that we cannot or should not shop there or allow them to sponsor Vegan events. Actually, we should shop there more!! That will help with supply and demand. If we go there buying all of their vegan products, they will start buying more of it for us because the demand is higher. By protesting or not wanting to partner up with these types of companies is hurting the vegan movement AND giving vegans a bad name. Vegans already have a bad rep, I believe David is trying to show that vegans are cool and not "preachy" or "crazy". If I was not vegan and happened to stumble into this event and was given different flyers like the one you posted a picture above, I would have been turned off. That is just honest. I know you are super passionate about animals and their rights, I respect that-so am I. This article was just really upsetting to me because David has done so much for our community and helping make non vegans feel welcome at the events he organizes.

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JoAnn Farb

8/6/2017 10:26:27 am

Madison

I really appreciate your willingness to come forward with your perspective here. This post is not an attempt to discredit David’s hard work, but rather to raise awareness of the ways that we can (often unwittingly) become agents in a destructive process.

I believe you when you say that your experience has been that advocating and peaceful protesting is far less effective than leading by example, so I hope that you will believe me when I tell you that my experience has been very different.

Also – I would like to point out, in response to your concern that the flyer about co-option would have been a turn off to non-vegans, I agree with you. That is why we asked people first if they were vegan and only gave it to vegans, as I explained in my article.

David may be just as wonderful as you say – I do not really know him. Prior to my writing this article, a number of people with similar concerns to mine have attempted to dialogue with him. He has been unwilling to discuss this – except for the one terse statement that I screenshotted above. In fact prior to the VegFest, David deleted an entire conversation related to this issue from his group's Facebook page as the conversation was unfolding. It was deleted so quickly that probably very few people know it even occurred. We have no idea if David has even read the articles or seen the videos that we have referenced, nor if he understands the larger issue that we see him playing a role in.

Finally, I would like to point out that there is BIG difference between patronizing a retailer versus allowing them to be a sponsor – and that is precisely the point I was trying to make in this article. Perhaps, as a friend of David’s this article upset you so much that you missed the deeper understanding I was trying to facilitate – I ask that you reread it more carefully.

Thanks for writing,
JoAnn

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Timothy

8/6/2017 01:13:44 pm

Madison,
If you will do a little research, you will find that time and time again throughout history it has been proven the effects of hard core in your face activism has on society. It helps to change perspective, whole countries and their laws. When I asked David if he had contacted Clifton Roberts of the Humane party to speak, he told me that it wasn't an animal rights event. You can NOT separate veganism and animal rights. Every VegFest I have seen portrayed on fb the last few years always have AR speakers at their events.

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Shayne

8/6/2017 08:53:58 am

This post makes me utterly sad. I appreciate your passion for a vegan lifestyle and fighting hard for animal welfare and rights, but to try and discredit someone who works so hard to do the exact same, even if not your own methods, is not right. I respect your thoughts and being outspoken, we all should be, but without David we would not be where we are today in the Vegan community. VegFest was phenomenal and did so many amazing things for meat eaters. Events such as are all about vegans, it's about reaching those who are not. I agree with Madison (above) and am so disheartened that you would even try to pick apart David publicly like an onion. I stand beside David and everyone who works so hard within Voice For Animals, VegFest, VegLife. This is a time to come together, not fight each other and be passive aggressive causing greater divide. We can't make every single person satisfied, no one is perfect. There may be a speaker you don't like. There may be a method you don't like. Heck, an event you don't like. But the desired outcome is as one, to teach more about why living a vegan lifestyle is best for animals, our health, the environment, and our future! You know this. I have not met you before JoAnn, at least I don't believe so, but I'm so disappointed and saddened by this article. Peace to you on your endeavors for animals... David is...excuse me...a fucking hero and my friend, and I agree with his approach because it's creating momentum. And he doesn't make a single penny off what he does and has done for this community.

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JoAnn Farb

8/6/2017 10:15:49 am

Shayne

It is obvious that David's efforts have earned him some great respect in our community and it is great that you are willing to speak up to support your friend.

The fact that David may have contributed some positive things is not what is being challenged here. There is a larger perspective, that takes some deep critical thinking to appreciate.

Thanks for writing,
JoAnn

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JoAnn Farb

8/6/2017 06:56:20 pm

I was just rereading the article that Markgil linked to above and would like to share an excerpt here -- the article is discussing a speech made in 1991 by a PR person to Cattleman concerned about how to deal with the threat of animal rights....

"First, they must identify the radicals and just ignore them. They believe animals have rights and that exploiting them is wrong and you can’t manipulate them.

Second, you take people who want to do the right thing for the animals — the idealists and make them realists – people who give up their dreams and settle for what is possible. You do this by:

Third, identifying the opportunists — the people who are leaders in the movement who like to be seen and have power. They like having followers and being in the spotlight. You reach out to the opportunists and get them to agree that it is in both of their interests to work together. The PR firm said the key to dealing with the opportunists is to give them the perception of a partial victory so they can feel like heroes to their followers for solving the problem."

You state that "to teach more about why living a vegan lifestyle is best for animals, our health, the environment, and our future!" is what we desire as a vegan community. The problem with VegFest is that the Animals weren't represented with speakers. It was a plant based event. David himself told me that it was not an Animal Rights event when I asked if he had contacted Clifton Roberts to speak. If you don't know who that is, he is the Presidential candidate for the Humane Party.

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Jenna

8/6/2017 11:08:31 am

This article was very cult like to me.... I am a vegan I do not agree with where you are coming from. All I read was jealousy and anger towards this David guy and his organization.

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JoAnn Farb

8/6/2017 11:13:24 am

Hi Jenna

Have you actually looked for yourself into the merits of the issues presented, read the more in depth articles linked to, or watched the videos?

JoAnn

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Darren Lara

8/6/2017 12:51:28 pm

Joann Chrissy and I love and appreciate your honest and in depth approach. We all can and should learn as much as we can from you and your lead by example approach to things. That day we met you and your family, I had no idea that I was meeting a true superstar. Thank you for taking the time out and making us feel like a part of your family that evening.
In regard to this matter, I wanted to give Dave the benefit of the doubt but the further down the rabit hole I go in order to seek truth and understanding, the more im coming to my senses. I considered Dave a friend in the vegan community. I have said so many nice things to and about him. I actually enjoy edifying people that I look up to in respect and admiration. I can no longer get there when it comes to Dave. I've asked him to respond to state his perspective and onlu to get ignored. So it's clear that when he uses language like small independent slaughterhouses are an ally than there is no excuse. Even if it were a close friend or family member that said that it's still not permissible and is extremely polarizing to the vegan community. Whats right is right and vice versa. Much love to the Farb family.

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JoAnn Farb

8/6/2017 07:25:20 pm

Hi Darren:

As I do not really know Dave, and he has not been willing to dialogue with anyone I do know, I am left only to imagine why he might be taking the position that he has.

My best guess is that his introduction to veganism was via groups (like HSUS) that collaborate with animal exploiters and thus have a co-opted message. Perhaps he developed relationships with people there -- GOOD People trying to do the right thing too -- but who likewise don't see the bigger dynamics of how corporate marketing is driving the messaging...and now too much is at stake for him to even consider going down the rabbit hole.

This issue is far too complex to be expressed in sound bites, and unfortunately many facts of life today, discourage most people from really delving deeply to understand and make sense of what is going on. I really appreciate that you were willing to explore this with an open mind.

I wonder how differently Dave might have done things, had his first encounter to vegansim been at an event like Vegetarian Summerfest? They are very clear to presenters there, that all messaging is to be 100% vegan. About half the people who attend each year are not vegan when they arrive, but in my experience, most are by the time they leave. There is no doublespeak or suggestion that if you are not ready to go vegan, it's ok to eat specific types of meat/dairy/eggs. Instead the message is totally, "How can we support you in becoming vegan?" People are free to make their own decisions, and progress in their journey at their own pace, but anyone who is vegan, and who really believes it is wrong to unnecessarily harm animals (i.e. really "gets it") should not endorse anything that causes intentional harm to other beings -- it's a contradictory message and it really confuses people. That is why I find it so disconcerting to have the sort of messaging that there was at the KC VegFest.

Now if you want to attend a REALLY extraordinary VegFest, Check out Vegetarian Summeriest. It is THE BEST conference on the planet!

I have been a vegetarian for approximately thirty nine years and a vegan for five when I was made aware (through non graphic means) of the inhumane treatment of dairy cows by a member of VFAKC therefore they are directly accredited with my veganism and do so much to offer a nonjudgmental and welcoming atmosphere for people to learn about plant based diets and animal advocacy.

Is your organization strictly geared toward vegans? If so, you may not understand the complex relationships necessary for humane organizations who must navigate in a broader segment of society in order to perform their work. I have heard organizations like HSUS criticized by organizations such as yours for not promoting vegetarianism/veganism enough while simultaneously being criticized by meat eaters as promoting vegetarianism/veganism too much. It is a delicate balance between gently educating and advocating without offending or alienating. Sadly, animal consumption is not likely to end anytime soon. Your all or nothing approach comes across as arrogant and narrowminded. Until such time as the end of animal consumption becomes a reality, working toward more humane treatment of those animals until their death does a far greater service than helping no animals because you can’t save them all. The vegan movement may ultimately be accomplished via baby steps but at least baby steps are forward movement toward accomplishing the ultimate objective.

Furthermore, I was a vendor at VegFest and was with someone who was handed one of your derogatory and divisive flyers. Neither of us was asked if we were vegan before being given this handout as you explained was your policy in your article.

What a wonderful world it would be if there was less criticism and divisiveness amongst advocates and more collaboration toward common goals.

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JoAnn Farb

8/6/2017 02:54:45 pm

Tricia:

I am very happy to hear that VFAKC's efforts are bringing people (like you) to veganism! That said, I do not believe in general that "the ends justifies the means" I am not interested in just getting people to stop eating animals, or to eat less animals -- if doing so plays into and supports other injustices. I see veganism in the context of non-violence, and justice for all. To that end, I think messaging is very important. Stopping one injustice by promoting or perpetuating another is problematic. I do think we need to, "be the change."

When you dig deeper into the supposed, "social science" that supports the approach that HSUS seeks to influence those they work with to adopt, what you find is lots of unfounded assumptions and the use of "proxies" to stand in for things that can't really be quantified -- that makes the conclusions from such research very questionable. That is why you really need to understand the larger forces at play -- otherwise you can be playing right into supporting the interests of corporate strategists that are really in opposition to core values you hold.

If in fact a 50thoudandpigs.org flyer was given out to someone without knowing first that they were vegan, I apologize and regret that that happened.

To respond to the rest of your assertions is a much deeper more complex issue and I would refer you to the links at the bottom of the article if you really seek to understand.

Thanks for writing
JoAnn

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Barb Lomow

8/6/2017 02:44:10 pm

Assuming that the motive behind creating a VegFest is to encourage non-vegans to become vegans, this is a very important, well though out essay. Instead of viewing it some sort of attack on the organizer as some who have commented have suggested, please view it as a wake up call as to what is happening at VegFests and other events all over the country, not just at this particular one. Bringing on board sponsors and speakers with explicitly non-vegan agendas will do nothing to help change the status quo with regard to animal usage.

The thing that makes Whole Foods more disingenuous than pretty much any other food retailer is that they have cleverly branded themselves as the "go to" place for "compassionate people" to buy their animal products. Customers are purposely led to believe that paying top dollar lets them off the hook from being directly responsible for the breeding, mutilating, imprisoning and slaughtering of sentient beings. The issue for vegan advocates shouldn't the size of the facility that farmed animals are held captive in, but rather that animals are brought into existence in the first place solely to satisfy the whims of non-vegans. Whole Foods of course ignores this; they're in business to make a profit, and their good buddies at HSUS are more than keen to help pimp Whole Foods "humanely produced" animal products. The meaning behind HSUS's VP Paul Shapiro anti-vegan quote that the author provided in her essay could not be any clearer: buy your animal products from "humane" farms, like the ones that supply Whole Foods. He is encouraging so-called "humane" animal consumption, instead of no animal consumption.

The collusion between HSUS and Whole Foods is a calculated, symbiotic relationship that also includes the "rate the level of torture you are willing to accept" Global Animal Partnership, a joint Whole Foods/HSUS concoction. This link describes it quite succinctly. Please ignore the source -- an anti-vegan, pro-industry entity -- and concentrate on the substance, which proves factual (other than the irony of associating HSUS with animal liberation).

Thank you for adding some excellent points to this conversation! I hope that those who still don't see the problem with what happened at the KC VegFest will carefully read what you wrote.

Thanks,
JoAnn

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HAROLD BROWN

8/6/2017 04:04:52 pm

At its core this issue is about integrity. When the well meaning animal advocates ally themselves with those who exploit, kill, market, and sell animals it is a fail by any definition of the word vegan. As a justice movement it is not counter productive to call out those who are not working for animal liberation, albeit their hyperbole says something else. The Doublespeak is so evident yet too many people have become comfortable with the confusing messaging. Perhaps it is a product of years of political discourse that has worked very hard to confuse the public on so many issues. In the end our responsibility is to speak the animals truth. Not some contorted logic that serves large organizations and certain individuals. This is not about us, it is about the animals.

I would also add that we don't have time for these obtuse strategies. Not only are animals being killed by the millions each day but the Earth is out of time. I agree with Howard Lyman and Richard Oppenlander, the environmental crisis in now. We don't have time for "baby steps".

In all of this we must do our own internal work to not only question the integrity of those leading the movement but of ourselves and ask what our rolls are.

JoAnn, thank you for your eloquent and insightful take on these problematic issues. I think it's important that vegans apply critical thinking (divorced from emotion and "brand loyalty" if possible) to what is going on all around them in the "movement", just as they did when confronted prior to living vegan with the truth of how the animal exploitation machine lies, manipulates and distorts reality to serve its own ends at the expense of non-human individuals and those who choose to use them as disposable, replaceable "things".

This brief podcast episode from HowToGoVegan.org is similarly quite compelling:

http://www.howtogovegan.org/animalwelfarereform/

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Barb Lomow

8/10/2017 09:06:05 am

Besides the truly excellent http://www.humanemyth.org/advancedadvocacy.htm website that JoAnn has already linked to in her essay, another "must see" site that provides a wealth of comprehensive information is: http://www.howdoigovegan.com/ from Professor Gary Francione, also mentioned in the essay.

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Barb Lomow

8/10/2017 08:53:55 am

Here is a newly released video that provides great insight as to how the power and money within "the movement" resides among a very small number of groups, allowing their spokespeople to control and manipulate the [warped] message that goes out to non-vegans:

SHARK Exposes Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3inYlGkFNv0

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JoAnn Farb

8/10/2017 09:40:08 am

Barb:

How funny -- while you were writing this comment, I was working on a follow up post that linked directly to the Shark video. Our efforts crossed in cyberspace!